Clayton Kershaw is expected to contribute to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ rotation in 2025 but will likely miss time at the start of the season as he recovers from offseason surgery.
Kershaw signed a one-year contract to return for his 18th season with the Dodgers, though his future beyond that remains uncertain.
Regardless of what lies ahead down the road, Kershaw re-signed with the Dodgers with the goal of winning another World Series this season. While technically part of last year’s championship team, Kershaw is highly motivated to be an active participant this time around.
The first step in his return is regaining full strength, which he began this week by returning back to Camelback Ranch. Kershaw is also going travel with the Dodgers to Japan for the Tokyo Series, according to Fabian Ardaya of the Athletic:
Clayton Kershaw is back in Dodgers camp as he continues his rehab from knee and toe surgeries. Obviously won’t be active but Dave Roberts said he will be in Tokyo when the team is there to open the season.
— Fabian Ardaya (@FabianArdaya) March 5, 2025
Kershaw being included on the Dodgers’ travel roster is a change from last year when he missed the Seoul Series because of the recovery process from left shoulder surgery. The future Hall of Famer expressed hope he would be able to accompany the team this time around.
The Dodgers are set to face the Chicago Cubs from March 18-19 in Japan before returning to the United States for the exhibition Freeway Series against the Los Angeles Angels. They will then resume their regular season against the Detroit Tigers in the Dodger Stadium opener on March 27.
As for Kershaw’s rehab, there is no precise timeline for his return, but based on hints from the Dodgers, he is expected back around late May.
Clayton Kershaw hopes to finish career with Dodgers
Whenever the time inevitably comes for Kershaw to retire, he hopes it will be with the Dodgers as the only organization he ever played for. Reflecting on the opportunity to only play for one organization, Kershaw said that ending his career with just the Dodgers is “a goal” of his.
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